“I wasn’t a good footballer before, I use to get tired quickly but after i started eating this exact food, my football changed. This food helped my career and a lot of other players”-Kobbie Mainoo reveals what food he eats the before every Man Utd and England match.

Euro 2024 is nearly here, and it’s no surprise that some players have superstitions they must follow before stepping onto the field for their first game of the tournament.

Superstitions are a common practice in English football, with several players revealing they can’t play a match without performing their rituals. One of the most famous examples is England right-back Kyle Walker, who has worn the same pair of shin pads for 14 years. Similarly, Luke Shaw has revealed that he always wears a pair of socks with his son’s face on them in every match.

Even past England legends have their superstitions. Gary Neville, for instance, shared on the Football, Music and Me podcast that he had to wear a pair of lucky white underpants for every match or else he would feel unprepared to play.

Recently, young talent Kobbie Mainoo revealed his own superstition. Speaking on the Lions’ Den series, Mainoo said that while he tries to stay away from superstitions and changes his routine before every game, he always eats the same meal, pesto pasta, before each match for Manchester United or England.

Mainoo could play a key role for England at Euro 2024, as the midfield lineup remains uncertain. While Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are certain to start, the third midfield spot is up for grabs. Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be the most likely player to take this spot, but Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, or Mainoo could start if they impress in training.

Mainoo made his international debut just three months ago, coming on as a 75th-minute substitute during England’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil in March. Before his senior debut, Mainoo represented England at the youth level, playing for the U17, U18, and ĺU19 teams.